Chaired by Premier Zhu Rongji, the State Council held its 65th meeting of the standing members, at which two drafts of the laws, Port Law of the People's Republic of China and Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention of Radioactivity, were discussed and passed.

The meeting holds that since ports are infrastructural facilities important to the country's economic and social development, it is a must to work out a relevant law. With the implementation of a port law, administration of China's ports will better meet the requirement of reforms, keep in good order and prevent rampant restructuring and repeated construction, so that they can enhance their ability for international competition and play an even greater role in the country's social and economic development.

After many years of continuous hard work, nuclear power and technology have been widely used in areas such as national defense, medical treatment, energy, industry, agriculture, and scientific research. The State Council's meeting believes that nuclear power and nuclear technology have played an active role in safeguarding state security, promoting economic and social development and enhancing the comprehensive strength of the nation. It is necessary to work out a law to prevent radioactivity pollution, protect the environment, ensure people's health, and further utilize nuclear power and technology. The law has been worked out on the basis of domestic and foreign experiences in radioactivity prevention.

The State Council will submit the Port Law of the People's Republic of China (Draft) and Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention of Radioactivity (Draft) to the National People's Congress for examination and approval after modification.

(China.org.cn translated by Li Liangdu, November 28, 2002)